This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath Surnames: Bertrand, Brown Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/4387/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Las Cruces Sun News 10 June 2010 Shirley M. Bertrand September 25, 1930 - June 02, 2010 Shirley was born in Aberdeen, Maryland to US Army Major Richard and Lillian Brown. Growing up her family, including sister Betty, lived in several locations including Hawaii. In her youth she was passionate about softball and enjoyed fishing. She was in the Women's Army Corp during the Korean Conflict, doing ship duty and made thirteen voyages to Europe. She was discharged in Yuma, AZ where she started several businesses before getting married and having a son, Gary. After her divorce she returned to her hometown in Maryland to raise her son. During her years there, she became one of the first women to join the American Legion where she held many posts. Because of her love of the ocean, she decided to purchase a boat and later became one of the first women to get her Captain's license. While in Maryland, she worked for the Civil Service until her retirement in 1973. After her retirement she headed west and settled in Las Cruces. She chose Las Cruces because of the sparkling lights that rose out of nowhere, which she saw while she was crossing the desert. Once settled, she briefly owned and operated a Laundromat, from there she went on to breeding Silky Terriers, starting with her prize winning dog "lily". That led her to start the successful grooming shop. "The Waggin Tail". After a few years, she sold her business and pursued her love of travel, where the destination was generally an ocean or beach. She was able to go to many exotic locations and took some relaxing cruises, meeting many new friends along the way. When her traveling days ended she was a resident at Good Sam, where she played pool and enjoyed the active lifestyle with her many friends. Shirley had a kind and gentle soul, a big heart, and a wonderful sense of humor. She was ever the optimist, always believing that positive thinking and good thoughts would make her world a! better place. She had an amazing ability to accept with serenity whatever challenges life brought. Shirley was a strong, courageous woman that lived her life to the fullest. That strong will carried her on to the end where she was surrounded by her friends and family with peace and dignity. She will be missed by many. It was her wish that no funeral or memorial service be held. She always said, "when it's over, it's over". Many thanks to Judy and the wonderful staff at "The Aristocrat" as well as the nurses from Hospice. Some friends are family, and Shirley was blessed with a very large family of friends. She spent many wonderful days with her two close friends, Linda and Stella traveling, laughing and enjoying life. Shirley was never blessed with an easy life, but as all true friends do, Linda and Stella stood by her and supported her through everything that came her way both good and bad. Bon Voyage Mom. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.